The Secretariat serves as a critical Key Point Installation (KPI) in the nation. A recent breach by a large group of young individuals into this vital government facility has raised significant concerns about its security measures. The breach highlights not only a lapse in physical security but also sheds light on potential weaknesses within the government itself.
In the wake of the Sheikh Hasina regime’s collapse on August 5 last year amid widespread protests, public outrage was directed at various KPIs, including the parliament and the Prime Minister’s Office. Consequently, heightened security protocols were put in place at the Secretariat. Despite these measures, in August of the same year, HSC examinees managed to breach the premises. This incident should have prompted the implementation of a durable security framework to prevent such breaches in the future.
However, almost a year later, on July 22 this year, the Secretariat’s security was breached yet again when student protesters forcibly entered the compound and caused damage to property. This occurrence was both unforeseen and unacceptable.
Senior officials at the Secretariat seem more preoccupied with personal comforts such as expensive vehicles, office size, and chair comfort rather than prioritizing the overall security of the establishment. The conditions within the Bangladesh Secretariat compound, including open drains with dirty water, lack of facilities for drivers, and chaotic overhead wires, seem reflective of the bureaucratic entanglements within.
Though these issues may not pose immediate security threats, the memory of a severe fire that engulfed building number 7 of the Secretariat in December last year serves as a reminder of potential vulnerabilities. Often, policymakers respond urgently to such incidents, only for the matter to fade from prominence shortly after. This cycle of neglect must be broken.
Returning to the incident this year, the majority of protesting students gathered at the Secretariat gate did not intend to breach it. I personally witnessed the events unfold: it was a small group of unruly individuals who forcefully entered the premises. It is crucial to identify these individuals through CCTV footage and bring them to justice to deter future incidents. The question remains whether the Secretariat authorities will address this matter seriously.
Interestingly, the police filed a case against around 1,200 unidentified persons on the night of July 22 in connection with the breach, accusing them of various offenses including illegal gathering, assault on law enforcement, attempted murder, vandalism of government property, and an attempt to breach the Secretariat. The charge of attempted murder raises questions about its justification in this context.
In situations like this, senior administrative officials often refrain from public statements following incidents at critical locations such as the Secretariat. However, in this instance, the Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports broke this trend by expressing his views on Facebook, which is a positive development.
Md Mahbub-Ul-Alam, the Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, highlighted the seriousness of the breach, emphasizing the importance of identifying the perpetrators through CCTV footage and holding them accountable for their actions. His public statement signifies a departure from the usual silence maintained by government officials in similar circumstances.
It is encouraging to see Mahbub-Ul-Alam taking a public stance on this issue, recognizing that the government’s responsibilities go beyond mere paperwork. Will this proactive approach extend to enhancing the security measures at the Secretariat in the future?